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AA Driving School and BSM to roll out cycle awareness module to all instructors

Home / News / AA Driving School and BSM to roll out cycle awareness module to all instructors

AA Driving School and BSM with support from the Driving Standards Agency and Department for Transport are to focus on cycling to improving road safety.

Two of the UK's biggest driving schools are today committing to teach all new drivers cycle safety. An innovative training module to ensure a standardised approach to safe driving around cyclists will be rolled out.

AA Driving School and BSM have committed to making sure all their instructors cover vital skills about driving around cyclists. The move comes in the light of the AA's commitment to breaking down the barriers between cyclists and motorists.

All driving instructors from both schools will take a module to teach drivers how to drive safely around cyclists. They will also be given a worksheet about safe driving around cyclists for their pupils to use.

The driving schools are committed to improving road safety by radically reducing the 107 killed and 3,087 seriously injured on the roads in 2011.

AA Driving School and BSM, as part of AA Driving Services, make up the largest provider of new driver training in the country.

said: "I am personally committed to breaking down the 'Two Tribes' attitude displayed between some drivers and cyclists. Often we are the same people. I am delighted to announce that two of the biggest driving schools, AA and BSM, will be working to bring harmony on the roads between drivers and cyclists.

"This new module means we now have a standardised approach to teaching learners how to drive safely around cyclists from two of the country's leading driving schools. I am convinced that this initiative will change attitudes and save lives."

The training content has been developed with input from key members of the cycling community.

The module for instructors covers some 'do's and don'ts' for driving around cyclists, as well as useful resource links and guidance on how to teach pupils the best way to drive with cyclists.

The pupil worksheet sets out the facts about cyclists on the roads and encourages learners to think about the care, courtesy and consideration they should afford cyclists. It also highlights conversation topics to have with their instructor to aid their understanding.
Mark Peacock, head of BSM, said: "Successfully teaching a learner to drive safely around cyclists means instilling a good attitude, as well as, the necessary practical driving skills.

"It can be intimidating and confusing for learners the first few times they come across a cyclist. Understanding why cyclists behave in certain ways, such as avoiding potholes or how they are affected in strong winds, is key to being safe around them.

"Ultimately, we want to make sure that when someone learns with BSM they can be totally assured that when they pass their test they will be equipped to cope safety amongst all other road users."